Old Liu wasn't someone like Tong Rong who spent all day hanging out in the inner quarters. He didn't get angry after hearing this, but instead said nervously, "Did someone offend you? Tell me, and I'll settle the score with him right away."
"No one is messing with me, old man. Before I talk about this, there is a mystery in my mind that has no answer for a long time. Can you tell me about it?" Qin Huai hurriedly soothed his emotions.
"You tell me, as long as I know it, I will tell you everything." The old man stared at Qin Huai with concern. He often saw the affection from his ancestors on the old man Qin's face.
Qin Huai considered his words for a moment before opening his mouth and asking, "Old Master, the Qing Dynasty has been gone for over a hundred years, yet you still live like an emperor in the capital. Where does the money come from? I have a few questions that have always puzzled me. Back in the Republic of China, the warlords were so chaotic, and now we have been under the dictatorship of the masses for many years. Why do those in power always tolerate people like you?"
"Just like right now, the whole country is undergoing massive renovations, turning over rat holes and transforming the world. Why are you the only ones who can stay out of it, huddled in your little building, unaffected, living like a god?"
Old Man Liu looked at Qin Huai in surprise and said, "Qin Huai, I really regret not finding you sooner. Otherwise, with your intelligence, you would have achieved greater success. Even if you don't ask about this, I will find time to tell you."
Qin Huai was initially worried that the old man would answer that he didn't know either, but it seemed that he not only knew it very well, but was even a participant. That was good, he must be very clear about the inside story.
"After the establishment of the Republic of China, we all immediately banded together. We all knew that troubled times were coming. If we wanted to protect ourselves in such a chaotic world, there was only one way..." Old Man Liu looked at Qin Huai approvingly and continued:
"That is, we must have armed forces to protect ourselves. So my elders actively participated in the cause and funded the establishment of three armed forces. These three armies belong to different factions, but we are the ones who actually control them."
Qin Huai said, "Rushi, the person who made this decision must be a genius. He knew from the beginning that if chaos broke out, no one would care about you. He organized his own army and stationed it near the capital. Not only can he protect himself, but he can also reap enough benefits in the chaotic times."
Old Man Liu laughed and said, "That's right. Your great-grandfather said the same thing back then. He said that if we only had money, no matter how much we had, it would be useless. We would all become fat pigs on the chopping board, and anyone who wanted to eat our meat could just come and kill one. Only when we become strong ourselves, we don't have to worry about the bad guys watching us."
Hearing Old Man Liu's answer, Qin Huai became even more curious and said, "The person who made this decision is really wise, but I'm even more curious about the current situation. There's so much unrest going on right now, and many high-ranking officials have fallen from grace. The Liu family, as unique as they are, must be the most conspicuous in a place like the capital. Yet, it seems to me that my family is still living like they're in the Qing Dynasty, enjoying a blissful life of ordering slaves and maids around. Why is it that the Liu family is still enjoying such a carefree existence?"
Old Man Liu put away his smile and said, "So that's why you said 'the warm breeze makes the tourists intoxicated'. Yes, you've hit the nail on the head. The Liu family is what it is today because they made great contributions back then. Not only did they provide financial support of over ten million silver dollars, but they also trained five high-ranking officials of the same rank as Chengzong. They are now at the core. With them, the Liu family will be safe."
Qin Huai said in surprise, "So, there are at least four other families that have survived like the Liu family?"
"good."
At this point, Old Man Liu continued, "Now that you know the true details of the Liu family, you won't worry anymore, right?"
Qin Huai shook his head and said, "Although I don't know who those people are, I want to tell you that even with Minister Liu around, the Liu family won't be able to rest easy in the future. They might not be able to protect themselves, let alone their families."
Old Man Liu waved his hand and said, "Qin Huai, you are not an official, so you don't know how powerful Cheng Zu and his people are when they join forces. So there is no need to worry about the Liu family's safety in the capital."
People like Old Man Liu came from the old society and have always been at the center of power. They have been accustomed to the changes of power since childhood. They should have no problem dealing with their current situation based on their past experience.
But Qin Huai came from the future. Although he had not personally witnessed the power of the great era, the impact of that era lasted for more than 20 years. He was very clear about how serious the subsequent changes were and how many high-ranking officials were brought down. The impact on everyone from top to bottom was extremely far-reaching.
Of course, this has never happened before, so it is not surprising that Liu Chengzong and others cannot think of it at the moment.
This is what Qin Huai is most worried about, because the Liu family has experienced an era of warlords fighting each other, and now it is a peaceful time. The crisis has been completely resolved, so how could there still be danger?
He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Old Master, there are some things I can't explain in detail. If I tell you that 90% of the upper echelons will be shaken up, and the more meritorious people are, the worse their fate will be, with all their past achievements wiped out, then if the Liu family wants long-term peace, we must make preparations now. Do you think this is possible?"
Old Man Liu was stunned after hearing this: "Qin Huai, why do you say that?"
Qin Huai shook his head and said, "Grandpa, I can only say that I'm telling you this today only because we're family. I don't want to watch you all get swept away by time and drowned in the ocean, while I remain unscathed."
Old man Liu turned pale at what he said. Tong Rong just pushed the door open and came in, followed by two maids, each holding a food box.
"Put it here. Daughter-in-law, you two can go out first." He looked at Qin Huai and forced a smile, "You must be starving. Qin Huai, you eat first. We'll talk later."
"Father-in-law..." Tong Rong didn't know what was going on. Looking at the situation at the scene, she thought it was Qin Huai complaining. She wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Old Man Liu, who said, "You guys go out first. Qin Huai and I have something important to say."
Tong Rong had no choice but to respond and looked at Qin Huai resentfully. Is this illegitimate child born in the Year of the Dog? He comes to complain just because he has suffered a little injustice?
With her father-in-law present, she didn't dare say anything more, so she just agreed to set the table and then left with her two maids.
Old man Liu said, "No, Qin Huai, this matter is too important. You should eat something first. I need to call Cheng Zong."
He walked to the side of the sofa and dialed a phone. In years of famine, the rich and powerful had cash as a means of communication. Qin Huai didn't have much appetite. He watched him talk for a long time before hanging up the phone. Then he came back and said, "Chengzong attaches great importance to your statement. He asked you to stay home and wait for him to come back. He wants to ask you the reason in person."
After a pause, he continued, "You seemed to have said something similar in Wanbei County. It wasn't convenient to speak then, right?"
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